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Chemistry Forums for Students => Inorganic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: nlmlms on May 09, 2012, 08:26:55 AM

Title: Question about Coulomb Potencial Energy equation
Post by: nlmlms on May 09, 2012, 08:26:55 AM

Hi, there is my question:

We descrive Potencial Energy of an Electron of charge -e at a distance r from  a nucleus of charge +e using Coulomb´s equation as below:
                         V(r) = (-e)*(+e) / 4*Pi*E*r
But I didn´t get the meaning of the equation, how dose value of V(r)  can affect the behave of the electron? In ather words, why do we need know the value of V(r)? ???

Thanks for attention!

Title: Re: Question about Coulomb Potencial Energy equation
Post by: fledarmus on May 09, 2012, 08:33:06 AM

V is a potential energy in the same way that mass held a distance above the ground is a potential energy. When you lift a rock above the ground, you have to counter that energy, and when you drop the rock, it falls. Same with an electron. It takes energy to pull it away from the nucleus, and when that energy is released, it falls.

Title: Re: Question about Coulomb Potencial Energy equation
Post by: nlmlms on May 09, 2012, 08:35:01 AM

Oh!!! Thanks for reply!!! Finally I got it !!! :D